Debate Over Iraq Heats Up In The U.K.

British Foreign Minister Philip Hammond arrives at Number 10 Downing Street in London on August 13, 2014 to attend a Cobra meeting on the situation in Iraq to be chaired by the prime minister. (Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images)

Some of Britain’s leading military voices are saying Britain needs to do more about the crisis in Iraq. Col. Tim Collins, who is known for his inspirational speech on the eve of 2003 Iraq War, tells the Telegraph British politicians have left for lunch as the crisis continues.

Earlier this week Gen. Richard Dannatt, former head of the British Army said ground troops from the UK might be needed. Prime Minister Cameron did leave vacation to return to London to discuss Iraq.

The BBC’s Rob Watson tells Here & Now’s Jeremy Hobson that so far Britain has refrained from joining the US in air strikes against The Islamic State.

Note: Please download the Here & Now podcast or use the WBUR app to hear this interview.

Guest

Rob Watson, U.K. political correspondent for BBC World Service. He tweets @robwatsonbbc.